Superstition has long been a part of human history, and even
today, many people still rely on it to guide their actions. Even those who
consider themselves sophisticated and rational can find themselves behaving
superstitiously without even realizing it. While some superstitions may have
originated from religious beliefs, others are based on more mundane fears and
taboos.
In some African tribes, for example, the witch-doctor still holds great power,
despite the adoption of Western attitudes in many other areas of life. One such
witch-doctor claimed to be able to predict the winners of the World Cup and even
prevent certain teams from winning for a fee. While many people may dismiss such
claims as baseless, others believe in them wholeheartedly.
Religious superstitions also persist in modern society, with many Catholics
believing in the efficacy of relics and holy places such as Lourdes for healing
the sick. While it is difficult to say how much of this healing is due to faith
alone, it is clear that such superstitions cannot be easily dismissed.
Despite the advances of science and rational thought, superstitions continue to
hold sway in many parts of the world. Even in Western societies, where people
pride themselves on their rationality, certain taboos and beliefs still persist.
These may include avoiding bringing certain plants into the house or throwing
salt over one's shoulder if spilled at the table.
While most superstitions can be traced back to ignorance and fear, there is
still a hard core of beliefs that seem to work without any rational explanation.
Whether or not superstition will eventually die out completely remains to be
seen, but for now, it continues to play a role in the lives of many people
around the world. |